Philip Rivers returned to the NFL five years after his last professional pass. The 44-year-old veteran thought his career was over. He dedicated himself to coaching at the high-school level, convinced his chapter as a player had closed. Everything changed when he saw Daniel Jones’ injury. The situation raised an inevitable question in his mind, and the answer arrived quickly when the Colts called him just two days later.
Rivers explained his decision with honesty: “A game I love to play… I truly had no expectations of playing again. I thought that ship had sailed,” he admitted. He added that the opportunity represented an open door he had to walk through. His return energized Shane Steichen, and the Colts added him to the practice squad with a real chance to start against Seattle.
Philip Rivers back at practice today!
pic.twitter.com/nYCKnCP6jW— Steak F (@steaakfriend) December 10, 2025
According to The Sports Rush report, Tom Brady reacted to the announcement with humor. The seven-time champion knows well the back-and-forth of retirement and laughed at himself while commenting on the situation: “Who retires and then retires again and finally retires? Who does that?” he said jokingly. He also admitted that if it were up to him, he would come back, but one major restriction prevents it. “I think the answer for me would be yes. But they won’t let me because I’m now a minority owner of the Raiders.”
Brady’s view on a veteran quarterback’s preparation
Brady defended Rivers’ chances despite his years away from the field. He insisted that mental strength is decisive at the position: “This game, for the quarterback, is played from the neck up,” he explained. He added that the mental aspect weighs four times more than the physical. The question now is whether Rivers still has the athletic ability to compete. Brady believes that if Rivers trained quietly, the league will notice in Seattle.
Rivers’ return marks a striking chapter. The NFL often produces unexpected stories, but few resemble this one. A veteran comes back without warning and defies age. Today, the Colts believe in him, and Brady supports the effort with conviction.
